Chinese Movie Festival Attracted Thousand

Palikir, Pohnpei (FSM Information Services): September 21, 2010 - In order to celebrate the 21st Anniversary of the establishment of the diplomatic relationship between the People's Republic of China and the Federated States of Micronesia, the Chinese Embassy hosted the Chinese Movie Festival at Pohnpei Cinema from September 16th to 19th, 2010.

The kick-off of the Movie Festival was held on September 15th for the dignitaries and guests from the FSM, and was attended by Honorable Madame Shra Alik, the Second Lady of the FSM, Hon. Speaker Figir and Madame, Hon. Lorin Robert, Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Madame, Hon. John Esha, Governor of Pohnpei State and his family, other officials from the Government of the FSM and Pohnpei State, as well as the representatives of the diplomatic corps.

In his speech at the reception, H.E. Ambassador ZHANG Weidong of China to the FSM spoke highly of the unswerving friendly relations for the past 21 consecutive years between China and the FSM. He commented that the mutual exchanges and cooperation between China and the FSM in the fields of politics, economy, health, education and culture have wittnessed great achievements in the past years. He reaffirmed that as brothers and sisters, China, despite remaining a developing country, will stick to its commitments and continue to provide assistance to the FSM within its capacity.

Ambassador ZHANG said, the year 2010 marks a prominent year of cultual exchanges between China and the FSM. The Chinese Chongqing Acrobatic Troupe performed successfully in the FSM, and the FSM dance group showcased the FSM traditional dances in the Shanghai World Expo in China and won big applauds. He hoped to enhance the current momentum in cultural exchanges by holding this Chinese Movie Festival, and encouraged both sides to take pragmatic steps to furthur promote the firm relationship between China and the FSM.

On behalf of the FSM Government, Hon. Lorin Robert, Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs addressed the guests in reciprocation. He appreciated the brand new style to celebrate the anniversary and thanked the Chinese Embassy in bringing these wonderful movies to the FSM and its people, which was an important stand for a better communication in cultural exchanges. He emphasized the importance of cultural exchanges in getting the FSM citizens to know China better. He promised to work closely together with the Chinese Embassy to promote the "Model Relationship" between our two countries based on shared principles and interests.

Kongfu Movies, which are most favored among the Micronesian people, especially the younger generation, played the biggest part in the Movie Festival. The Festival showcased: Fearless, performed by famous Chinese Kongfu star Jet Li, tells the story of a famous Chinese martial artist HUO, Yuanjia, who overcomes himself and becomes a national hero of his day; Seven Swords, tells the story of seven swordsmen conquer the overwhelming evil forces with the help of seven legendary powerful swords. Other movies also include a love story Waiting in Beijing; a documentary about the preparation work done by ordinary people to make the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games a great success-Dream Weaver; a story about a rurual Chinese woman getting rich through hard work and with free mind-Xi Lian.

The five day Festival won great applauds, it was estimated that close to one thousand attended the Festival, making the event a big hit in the FSM.